Gilmore Girls has become a holiday staple as much as turkey and presents. And it’s one we happily binge each year as autumn begins. The cozy, small-town charm of fall and winter in Connecticut gives this beloved series a timeless, irresistible appeal that makes it perfect for seasonal viewing.
Each character has a unique relationship with the outdoors, from Emily Gilmore’s manicured luxury to Lorelai’s carefree, quirky approach to a garden. Now, you can bring a little Stars Hollow spirit to your home this holiday season with gardening ideas inspired by the show’s beloved characters.
Whether you’re tending to a tiny patio garden, something Rory would probably do, to curating a homestead like Jackson and Sookie, these ideas will help you craft your own whimsical corner of Connecticut charm, wherever you live.
Lorelai Gilmore: Cozy, Whimsical + Low-Maintenance
Lorelai’s home is a cornucopia of lived-in magic; casual wreaths, twinkle lights, and quick fixes that feel unfussy and personal. To capture her playful aesthetic, mix bright annuals like pansies, violas, and marigolds in mismatched containers for spontaneous pops of color.
Have some climbing vines or hanging baskets that can freely spill along trellises or fences. If a trellis isn’t your thing, potted ivy or clematis are fast-growing and easy to maintain. Add some elements that spark some interest, just like Lorelai would do. Think painted rocks, fairy lights, or repurposed containers like vintage tea tins. Her style reminds us that gardening doesn’t always need to be serious; it’s about joy and fun, too.
Try adding:
- Rustic winter containers: Use galvanized buckets or charmingly mismatched pots
- Climbing ivy on a porch rail
- Wildflower patches left in place through winter for birds and structure
Pro tip: Leave some room for seasonal spontaneity, like a hanging wreath you found at a Christmas market.
Try these outdoor mason jar lights from Amazon that pretty much look like fireflies in a jar. Very Lorelai Gilmore.
Rory Gilmore: Bookish Balcony + Academic Garden Nook
Rory Gilmore is understated, practical, and reflective, and her garden would be the same. Think neat vegetable patches, well-tended herb beds, and perennial flowers that return year after year.
To bring this style into your own garden, plant reliable, low-maintenance perennials like lavender, coneflowers, and daylilies paired with herbs such as mint, parsley, and chives for both beauty and utility. Incorporate small pathways or garden markers in a tidy way, making it easy and enjoyable to navigate.
For a fall/winter garden aligned with Rory’s aesthetic:
- Herbal tea garden: Potted mint, lavender, and chamomile to harvest for late-night reading sessions
- Compact shrubs for greenery that doesn't overwhelm
- A bench or bistro chair for coffee and a paperback
The 3-Piece Outdoor Wicker Bistro Set, available at Walmart, is a great option for curling up with a good book, just like Rory Gilmore would.
Emily Gilmore: Classic Estate Elegance
Emily Gilmore is known for her mansion, the club, and a life full of refined order. To bring a touch of the Gilmore Girls matriarch into your own garden, consider evergreen hedges or topiaries along borders to create a formal, tidy look.
Complement organized greenery with classy roses or hydrangeas in monochromatic palettes to maintain a sense of sophistication. Add small garden sculptures or elegant urns for visual interest.
To recreate her sophisticated style this winter:
- Evergreen structure: Boxwood, yew, and holly keep the garden polished even in colder months.
- Seasonal containers: Think large urn planters filled with winter pansies or dwarf Alberta spruce.
- Formal accents: A pair of matching lanterns on each side of the entryway? Emily would approve.
This Ligustrum hedge srhub from Lowe’s would be entirely Emily-approved and would fit perfectly on her infamous driveway.
Pro tip: Add some warm outdoor lighting to mimic Emily’s party ambiance. Think sophisticated, never gaudy (she would leave that to the town square of Stars Hollow.)
Final Stars Hollow Tip: Bring the Town Square Home
Don’t forget the real star of the show: Stars Hollow.
Add a winter container centerpiece to your porch or yard:
- Mini evergreens
- Fresh cut branches
- Holly sprigs or pinecones
Whether you want Emily Gilmore’s refinement or Lorelai’s quirky look, your garden can become a love letter to Gilmore Girls, season after season.
